Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Longtime WSAZ NewsChannel 3 reporter Randy Yohe who has for several years covered the Portsmouth - Ironton area, is no longer employed by that station.

“I was let go (Wednesday),” Yohe told the Portsmouth Daily Times on Thursday.

Yohe, 59, was arrested around 12:30 Saturday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of marijuana. The DUI charge was subsequently changed to aggravated reckless driving.

According to WSAZ, Yohe was reported to have run a stop sign at Marion Pike and Third Street in Coal Grove and weaved from a marked lane of traffic. Police said they found a small amount of marijuana in his car. In addition to the marijuana, they reportedly also found a piece of drug paraphernalia and an open container of an alcoholic beverage.

Yohe reportedly had a blood alcohol level of .121. The legal limit in Ohio is .08. WSAZ reported all the offenses are misdemeanors and Yohe paid fines totaling $2,020.

“It was a seriously bad decision,” Yohe told the Times. “It’s the first time anything like this has ever happened to me - and it will be the last. I’m embarrassed, humiliated and deeply sorry.”

Yohe is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 30. He has a right to change his plea on the charges on that date.

WSAZ had described Yohe as a “former WSAZ reporter,” implying he was no longer employed at that station. On Thursday, Yohe verified to the Times he was let go on Wednesday.

“I apologize to the station, my wife and those who follow my work,” Yohe said.

Yohe was like a fixture in the area when community events were going on, appearing frequently to cover things like River Days, the Polar Plunge, and major crime news conferences.

Yohe indicated to the Times he was in the process of applying for another job on Thursday.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.